Manchester City players have to be completely committed to the club’s cause, manager Pep Guardiola said on the eve of Tuesday’s Champions League clash against visitors Feyenoord as his struggling team look to end a dreadful run of results.
City’s losing streak stretched to five matches when Tottenham Hotspur stunned the Premier League champions with a 4-0 win at the Etihad on Saturday, marking the first time Guardiola had lost five games in a row in his managerial career.
It was also the first time they had lost five consecutive matches in all competitions since April 2006. The defeat left second-placed City eight points adrift of Liverpool, who they visit on Sunday.
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Their campaign has been hindered by a rash of injuries with Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, centre back Ruben Dias, midfielder Mateo Kovacic plus wingers Jeremy Doku and Oscar Bobb among those facing spells on the sidelines.
Guardiola, who signed a two-year contract extension at City last week, has led them to 18 major trophies including six Premier League titles and one Champions League crown.
“Look at where we’ve come from. It’s so difficult to defend the success we have had, that’s why I’m so relaxed. That is why I want the commitment, the commitment, the commitment and the commitment,” Guardiola told reporters on Monday.
